I Never Thought I'd Use My Kia EV9's Self-Parking Feature, But After I Did These Pics Don't Even Do Justice To The Tight Spot I Encountered And How My Kia Handled It

When automakers started adding self-parking features to their vehicles, I remember thinking, "Who even needs this?" After all, parking is a basic skill every driver should master. But as more cars come equipped with these intelligent systems, their usefulness in unexpected situations has become harder to ignore. Jill Griego, a Kia EV9 owner, recently shared her experience with the EV9’s self-parking feature, and her story is a testament to just how handy this technology can be—especially when you least expect it.

Jill took to the Kia EV9 Facebook group to share her impressive encounter. In her post, she detailed a night when she came home after a grueling 12-hour workday and faced a parking dilemma in front of what appears to be her house.

Here’s how she described it:

"Never thought I’d use the self-parking feature, but never say never! The pics don’t do justice to the tight spot I encountered one night when I got home. I had worked almost 12 hours and didn’t feel like heading inside to get the keys to the sedan that was parked wonky (not obvious in these pics) just so I could park in my spot and be able to open my door! I could’ve pulled in forward and not as deep, and would’ve been fine as-is if I didn’t need to back in to charge for a trip the next day.
Anyway, I backed in as far as I could and still be able to get out, and centered as best I could given it was dark. I held the camera button down until the car basically told me to get out and use the remote for the rest of the process. Because of the tightness of the spot, it stopped several times, but I was able to coax it to continue each time until I was satisfied with the end product. Mission accomplished!"

The images Jill posted show her Kia EV9 expertly maneuvered into a narrow space, highlighting how advanced Kia’s self-parking technology has become. The system didn’t just stop when it faced obstacles; it allowed her to take over, guide it further, and complete the parking process with precision—all while ensuring she had enough room to get out.

Why Self-Parking Features Matter in Cars

Stories like Jill’s remind us that technology, no matter how advanced, is ultimately designed to make life easier, especially in those moments we don’t anticipate needing help. Self-parking features in modern vehicles like the Kia EV9 are more than just a luxury. They’re a practical tool that can prevent unnecessary stress, avoid potential damage to your car, and even save time.

For Jill, her EV9's self-parking feature solved a real-world problem. Imagine how frustrating it would’ve been after a long day to shuffle around cars, fetch keys, and re-park just to fit in your spot. This is where features like Kia’s Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) shine. The EV9’s system, which uses sensors and cameras, allows drivers to park with precision, even when spaces are tight or visibility is poor.

But this feature isn’t exclusive to Kia. Automakers like Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have been incorporating self-parking systems for years, with varying degrees of success. In fact, if you're curious about how Tesla's self-parking system compares, check out our article titled "I Can’t Believe This Actually Works! After 2 Years, I Finally Auto-Parked My Tesla Model X in My Garage."

Tips for Using Self-Parking Features Like a Pro

If Jill’s story has inspired you to try out your car’s self-parking feature, here are some tips to ensure a smooth experience:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the System: Before you find yourself in a tight spot, take time to learn how your self-parking feature works. Most systems require you to activate the feature using a button or touchscreen and may prompt you to confirm parking maneuvers.
2. Pay Attention to Sensors: Self-parking systems rely on sensors to detect obstacles, so keep them clean and free of debris for optimal performance.
3. Be Ready to Intervene: While these systems are impressive, they’re not perfect. Stay alert and be prepared to override the system if it misjudges a space or gets stuck.
4. Practice Makes Perfect: Test the feature in an open parking lot or a less stressful environment to build confidence in its capabilities.
5. Consider Space and Surroundings: Always think about the cars around you. As some Facebook commenters pointed out, parking too close to other vehicles might result in door dings when neighbors open their doors.

It’s also worth noting that self-parking systems can be a game-changer for people with physical limitations or those who feel less confident in their parking skills. Kia’s EV9 takes it a step further with features like remote parking, which lets you stand outside the car and control its movements with your key fob or smartphone.

Debating the Luxury of Parking Space

Jill’s parking space, tight as it seemed to her, sparked a lively debate in the comments section of her Facebook post. Some users from Europe chimed in, noting that her space would be considered spacious compared to the ultra-tight parking conditions many drivers face in cities like Paris or Rome. Others joked about how cars in such tight spots often get “customized” with scratches and dents from neighboring vehicles.

These conversations highlight an important point: what’s considered a tight spot varies greatly depending on where you live. For EV owners, space considerations often go beyond parking convenience, as vehicles like the Kia EV9 need access to charging stations. If you’re planning to invest in an EV9 or another electric vehicle, read more about how Kia’s EV investments are paying off in our article "Kia’s EV Investment Pays Off: 2024 EV9 Surpasses Telluride".

What This Means for Everyday Drivers

Jill’s experience is a reminder to embrace the technology at our fingertips. While it’s easy to dismiss features like self-parking as unnecessary, they’re designed to assist us in ways we may not anticipate. Whether it’s a tight parking spot, a poorly lit garage, or just sheer exhaustion after a long day, these systems can step in when we need them most.

And if you’re still skeptical, think of it this way: every new feature in your car is an opportunity to make your driving experience safer, more convenient, and less stressful. Take time to learn and appreciate what your vehicle has to offer. You might just be surprised at how often you use it.

Join the Conversation

Have you ever used your car’s self-parking feature in a surprising or challenging situation? How did it handle it? Or, are you someone who still prefers the old-school method of parking manually? Share your experience in the comments below.

Questions for Readers:

1. What’s the tightest or most challenging parking spot you’ve successfully maneuvered into, with or without self-parking assistance?
2. If you own a Kia EV9 or another vehicle with a self-parking feature, how often do you use it, and do you trust it completely?

Let us know your thoughts and stories. We’d love to hear them!

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.